.- Over 3,000 faithful braved a steady downpour of rain on Sunday to process with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Danbury Connecticut. Led by Bishop William E. Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport, parishioners from seven local churches gathered to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist, declared by the late John Paul II before his death.
Bishop Lori, speaking briefly because of the foul weather, challenged attendees to be “missionaries of the Eucharist” and to carry the Word of God back to their families and workplaces.
The Danbury News Times quoted Mayor Mark Boughton, who called the event "a wonderful testament to the faith of our community.''
Father Tomi Thomas of St. Peter’s parish organized the procession and said that despite the rain, he was very pleased with the turnout—more than three times what was expected.
Parishioner Robert Arconti told the News-Times, "It's an exciting event for us. Since we believe that the Eucharist is the body of Christ, this is our celebration.''
